Summary:

• Senior pastors request urgent police investigation into the attempted murder of Aloysius Bugingo, suspecting the attack may be linked to his anti-homosexuality preaching, prompting calls for enhanced security for pastors in Uganda.

Senior pastors have urged the police to expedite their investigation into the attempted murder of their colleague, Aloysius Bugingo, head of House of Prayer Ministries in Kampala. Bugingo was attacked by unknown assailants on Tuesday evening in Kasubi, Rubaga Division. His bodyguard, Richard Muhumuza, from the elite Special Forces Command, was killed in the incident.

While the police have not provided a clear motive for the attack, Pastor Martin Ssempa of Makerere Community Church speculates that Bugingo’s preaching against homosexuality may have triggered the incident. Ssempa, who has also faced death threats for his stance against homosexuality, is calling on President Museveni to enhance the security of pastors, emphasizing the perceived danger to their lives.

Other pastors, such as Solomon Male of Arising for Christ Church, question the need for pastors to have armed guards, suggesting a lack of trust in God. Male asserts that religious leaders should rely on faith rather than weapons. He further claims that some clergymen are involved in immoral activities, leading to conflicts and potential threats.

Zachariah Sserwadda of Evangel Church in Jinja condemns the attack and calls on the government to protect all Ugandans from such incidents. Meanwhile, Pastor Paul Batambuze of New Creation Church in Jinja City finds it unfortunate for a pastor not involved in active politics to be a target of assassination, expressing the need for peace in the country.